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ALL FISHING ALL HUNTING BIG GAME CONSERVATION NEWS UPLAND BIRDS WATERFOWL

National Wildlife Refuges Expand Hunting Opportunities

Waterfowl hunters at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge
Waterfowl hunters at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge
Waterfowl hunters at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge

3 National Wildlife Refuges Propose Expanded Hunting Opportunities

On the heels of a similar proposal last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to pair increased hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges with a reduction in the use of lead tackle and ammo.
Sport Hawk | 6.22.2023

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) looks to to increase recreational access to public lands with the announcement of 48 new hunting opportunities spanning approximately 3,000 acres across the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Three national wildlife refuges managed by USFW are proposing expanded hunting opportunities. These public lands include Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama, Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota.

Additionally, the effort includes a rule to phase out lead ammunition and tackle at eight national wildlife refuges. The USFW says that the decision is based on scientific evidence demonstrating the negative impacts of lead on both human health and wildlife. The newly proposed hunting and fishing opportunities also ban the use of lead ammunition or tackle.

The Service welcomes public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days, starting from the publication in the Federal Register on June 23, 2023. Those interested can find more information and submit comments here, using Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2023-0038.

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, contributing more than $156 billion in 2016, according to the Service’s most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. More than 101 million Americans participate in wildlife-related recreation, including hunting and fishing.

Read more about the proposal:

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Press Release
“U.S. Fish and Wildlife Promotes Public Access to Hunting and Fishing”

Related proposal from 2022:

Outdoor Life
“USFWS Wants to Open 19 More Wildlife Refuges to Hunting and Fishing. Lead Ammo and Tackle Would Be Banned There”

Photo | Ryan Hagerty/USFWS

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ALL HUNTING BIG GAME NEWS TRIP TIPS UPLAND BIRDS WAYPOINTS

Wyoming Corner Crossing Case Favors Public-Land Hunters

Corner Crossing map of Wyoming lands
Corner Crossing map of Wyoming lands
Corner Crossing map of Wyoming lands

Wyoming Corner Crossing Case Favors Public-Land Hunters

A recent civil case in Wyoming provides a crucial benchmark for ongoing conflicts surrounding access to corner-locked public lands.
Sport Hawk | 6.29.2023

A federal judge last month ruled in favor of four Missouri hunters charged with trespassing for using a step ladder to cross over a corner boundary between public and private lands in Wyoming. The private lands are part of sprawling Elk Mountain Ranch, which is owned by pharmaceuticals executive Fred Eshelman of North Carolina. His ranch encompasses 27 parcels of state and federal lands totaling more than 11,000 landlocked acres.

Wyoming statute prohibited hunters from crossing private-land corners without the consent of adjacent landowners. In the recent civil trespassing case, the ranch owner sought a jaw-dropping $7 million in damages.

According to the non-profit news service WyoFile, attorneys for the out-of-state hunters argued that preventing access across common corners violates the 1885 Unlawful Inclosures Act, which prohibits private landowners from blocking access to public lands.

This ruling has implications for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in other states where a checkerboard pattern of land ownership exists. Colorado, Montana, and numerous other states have interlocked public and private lands that call similar rights into question.

In many cases, the “airspace” at the intersection of these checkerboard corners has been the focal point of conflict. While some argue that this airspace is part of the public domain and should be accessible to hunters, others contend that it falls within the realm of private property rights.

The Wyoming decision in favor of corner-crossing hunters could be a significant step toward resolving these conflicts. However, the issue of airspace remains ambiguous. Further clarification will be required to strike a fair balance between public land users and private landowners.

For further reading:

WyoFile
“Judge Rules in Favor of Corner-Crossing Hunters”

Outdoor Life
“Public Land Hunters Win Corner Crossing Case in Wyoming”

The Colorado Sun
“Colorado Corner-Crossing Property Legislation Poised for Comeback Following Wyoming Ruling”

The New York Times
“It’s Public Land. But the Public Can’t Reach It.”

Field & Stream
“Wyoming Judge Rules in Favor of Corner Crossing Hunters”

Photo | A screen shot from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s Hunt Planner map shows the awkward checkerboard pattern of private and public land.

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ALL FISHING CONSERVATION FLY FISHING FRESHWATER NEWS

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Mining Ban

Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Mining Halted Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

A copper-sulfide mine on the edge of one of America’s most popular wilderness areas may finally be six feet under.
Sport Hawk | 2.15.2023

The Biden administration has acted to halt mining efforts on Superior National Forest land near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The order places a 20-year moratorium on plans to extract copper from public lands adjacent to one of America’s most visited wildernesses.

Local mineral resources have long been the target of Chilean mining conglomerate Antofogasta plc, which would operate the mine under the banner of U.S. subsidiary Twin Metals Minnesota. Citing the essential nature of minerals critical to the nation’s commerce and security, Twin Metals claims the project would either directly or indirectly create more than 2,000 jobs. A peer-reviewed 2020 study by former chair of the economics department at Harvard University, James H. Stock, determined that protecting the area’s natural resources would lead to even greater employment and more revenue for the region.

Conservationists further point to the abysmal environmental record of hard rock mining, including sulfuric acid leaching from waste ore piles. The proposed mine is located near Birch Lake southeast of Ely, Minnesota, a gateway to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area.

Over the years, successive administrations have played ping pong with this issue. In 2016, President Obama opted not to renew the lease. The Trump administration ordered the leases reinstated in 2018. President Biden, on his first day in office, placed a host of Trump orders under review, including the Twin Metals mineral lease. In late January 2023, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed the 20-year mining moratorium on 225,000 acres of national forest land upstream of the BWCA Wilderness. Twin Metals immediately announced plans to fight the order.

For further reading:

NEW YORK TIMES
“Biden Administration Sets a Mining Ban in Boundary Waters Wilderness”

CBS MINNESOTA
“Biden Admin Moves to Protect Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from Planned Mine”

E&E NEWS
“Twin Metals Vows to Fight for Mine near Boundary Waters”

boundary waters map

Image credit (2) | Wikimedia Commons


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ALL HUNTING CONSERVATION NEWS UPLAND BIRDS

JAILBIRDS: Montana Pheasants Released from State Prison

Montana pheasant stocking
Montana pheasant stocking
Montana pheasant stocking

Jailbirds: Montana Pheasants Released from State Prison

With the implementation of Montana’s new pheasant-stocking program, Big Sky bird hunting just got a little less wild.
Sport Hawk | 9.1.2022

In August, Montana approved a controversial program to farm pheasants at a state prison and then release the pen-raised birds on state game lands.

As much as $1 million of state and federal funds are now available to rear pheasants at the state prison in Deer Lodge. The hatchery birds will then be released at select wildlife management areas specifically to support opportunities for young hunters.

Montana’s legislature passed the bill containing the new pheasant-stocking program in spring of 2021. After a contentious public-input process, the state approved the program in August of 2022 with plans to implement it this fall. As many as 50,000 of the jailbirds may be released on select state game lands each year.

Montana pheasant-stocking controversy

Proponents of pheasant stocking, primarily Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, point to flagging participation in upland bird hunting. Releasing farmed pheasants on public land, they argue, is a good way to encourage young hunters to enter the field. It’s part of the nationwide R3 philosophy.

R3 stands for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation, and it aims to promote hunting and fishing to the next generation while keeping current sportsmen active—and, of course, buying the licenses that fund all state game agencies.

Opponents argue that the money could have been better used to acquire or improve existing habitat for wild pheasant stocks. They further contend that teaching fledgling hunters to shoot pen-raised birds warps the sense of ethics and the satisfaction that is earned by fair chase of wild game. The kill becomes more important than the hunt, critics say. It’s target practice.

Opponents also worry that the release of pen-raise pheasants could introduce diseases, such as avian influenza, into Montana’s wild population.

Over the past year, public comments were weighted heavily against the new program. Conservation organizations, including Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Wildlife Federation, and Pheasants Forever, all spoke out against the initiative.

On that note, Sport Hawk could provide a list of the state lands slated for stocking, but we would rather point you in the direction of some great opportunities for hunting wild birds in The Last, Best Place.

For further reading on Montana pheasant stocking:

OUTDOOR LIFE
“Montana’s Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program Moves Forward”

FIELD & STREAM
“Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Votes to Approve Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program”

PROJECT UPLAND
“Montana to Spend $1 Million Per Year on Pheasant Farming Instead of Habitat”

Staff photo

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CONSERVATION NEWS

Inflation Reduction Act and Sportsmen

Inflation Reduction Act_Birdhunters in Montana
Inflation Reduction Act_Birdhunters in Montana
Inflation Reduction Act_Birdhunters in Montana

Inflation Reduction Act and the Impact on Sportsmen

There is a little bit of everything in the new Inflation Reduction Act. What does the sprawling legislation mean for hunters and anglers?
Sport Hawk | 8.16.2022

Today President Biden signed into law the $737 billion Inflation Reduction Act. While it is certainly one of the most significant pieces of legislation the administration has passed, months of political wrangling and rebranding may confuse some as to the bill’s primary purpose. Is it an economic package or a climate bill? Will it impact prices at the pump or lower prescription drug costs? Is it a landmark achievement or more of an attempt to salvage the administration’s record heading into the mid-terms?

Like America’s energy policy itself, the Inflation Reduction Act is sort of all of the above. While no one will be completely satisfied with the new law—and although it is a shadow of former ambitions—there is something in the bill for everyone, including hunters and anglers.

What the IRA means for Sportsmen

The most direct impact on sportsmen is a huge investment in private and public lands. Nearly $20 billion will go to Farm Bill programs to support conservation measures on agricultural, riparian, and wetland areas. This means more and better habitat for deer, ducks, pheasants, and other game species. That is a definite win for sportsmen.

The impact on public lands is more of a mixed bag. BLM lands, national forests, national parks, and national wildlife refuges all will receive considerable funding. However, oil and gas development on public lands could increase due to streamlined permitting processes and mandated minimums on the amount of new acreage that must be opened to drillers.

To counter that increased pressure, the act raises bonding rates on fossil fuel companies. That means if something goes wrong, the oil company (rather than taxpayers) pays for the clean-up. Royalty rates also increase, giving taxpayers a greater return on the lease of public lands. And there will be stiffer penalties for methane emissions. These added costs may curb the desire of energy companies to lease on public lands to begin with. So, the net effect on petroleum development on public lands remains to be seen.

For further reading:

THEODORE ROOSEVELT CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP
“Five Things Hunters and Anglers Should Know about [the Inflation Reduction Act.]”

OUTDOOR LIFE
“The Inflation Reduction Act Includes Billions of Dollars for Deer Habitat, Wildlife Refuges, and Coastal Projects.”

OUTDOOR ALLIANCE
“What Does the Inflation Reduction Act Mean for Climate, Public Lands, and Outdoor Recreation?”

GRIST
“The Inflation Reduction Act Promises Thousands of New Oil Leases. Drillers Might Not Want Them.”

Staff photo

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ALL HUNTING BIG GAME CONSERVATION NEWS

Chronic Wasting Disease in NC

Chronic Wasting Disease threatens deer populations.

Chronic Wasting Disease Continues to Spread in Southeast

North Carolina becomes the latest state to detect CWD in its deer population.
Sport Hawk | 4.4.2022

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced in March the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease in its white-tailed deer population. North Carolina is now the 29th state to report at least one infection of CWD and immediately took steps to implement its CWD Response Plan, which wildlife officials say has been decades in the making. To date, there are no confirmed cases of CWD transmission from cervids (deer, elk, moose) to humans. However, several studies on primates raise concerns that it might be possible, though seemingly unlikely. Hunters in all states with CWD are encouraged to have their deer tested prior to consumption, which not only ensures food safety but also helps biologist identify and manage the scope of the outbreak.

Staff photo

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ALL FISHING FLY FISHING FRESHWATER NEWS SALTWATER

Vista Outdoor Buys Simms Fishing for $192.5 Million

Vista Outdoor Acquires Simms Fishing Products

Iconic fly-fishing brand Simms is the latest acquisition by one of the largest companies in the outdoor recreation category.
Sport Hawk | 7.27.2022

Vista Outdoor is one of the leading parent companies in the outdoors space, with a portfolio that includes everything from guns and ammo to bike helmets and binoculars. Today, it announced the addition of fishing to its list of sporting categories with the acquisition of Simms Fishing Products.

Simms is not just any angling label, either. It is arguably the top fly-fishing wader and apparel manufacturer on the market. Based in Bozeman, Montana, Simms’ made-in-America products are synonymous with quality and performance. Having expanded into the conventional fishing market during the last decade, it was inevitable that the company would attract the eye of suitors. After a protracted courtship, Vista Outdoors wins the day with a reported acquisition price of $192.5 million.

Read more about the sale:

ANGLING TRADE
“Simms Acquired by Vista Outdoor: 5 Things We Think Will Happen”

SGB MEDIA PRESS RELEASE
“Vista Outdoor to Acquire Simms Fishing Products”

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ALL FISHING FLY FISHING NEWS SALTWATER WAYPOINTS

Bahamas Travel Warning! U.S. Advises Caution

Bahamas bonefishing scene off of Andros Island.

U.S. Issues Bahamas Travel Warning

Effective February 25, 2019, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory to the Bahamas. Here’s the latest status.
Sport Hawk | 4.18.2022

The Bahamas has generated its share of angling controversy over the last decade, particularly with the adoption of new fishing regulations that some view as misguided and detrimental to the very communities they were intended to help. The rules were change in early 2017, only to be reportedly suspended the following spring, creating continued confusion among U.S. fisherman about what’s allowed and how to stay legal.

If that wasn’t enough to dampen the spirit of Bahamas-bound anglers, on February 25, 2019, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory stating that “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common, even during the day and in tourist areas.” The warning stems primarily from incidents on Nassau and Grand Bahama, but it’s not the kind of P.R. the country needs to maintain its reputation as the laid-back and sunny “Bonefish Capital of the World.”

(Update: This warning was still in effect as of April 18, 2022.)

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NEWS

Man kills wildcat. Says he’s more of a dog person.

shirtless man in hospital with bloody scratches on face after wildcat attack.

Man kills wildcat with bare hands. Admits he’s more of a dog person.

Colorado trail runner Travis Kauffman went tooth and claw with one of the West’s top predators.
Sport Hawk | 2.22.19

Anyone who spends significant time in wild places will eventually ask the question: “What if..?”

What if I come face-to-face with a grizzly bear? What if that alligator continues to close the distance to my canoe? What if I’m suddenly not at the top of the food chain?

For Colorado jogger Travis Kauffman, that question answered itself when he was attacked by a juvenile mountain lion (estimated at 35 to 40 pounds) during a February 4, 2019 trail run. Speaking to Colorado Parks and Wildlife earlier this month, the 31-year old athlete described what it was like to go mano a gato with a live cougar. In a related press conference, Kauffman admitted that he actually is more of a dog person.

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ALL HUNTING BIG GAME CONSERVATION NEWS

Chronic Wasting Disease State by State

A map of chronic wasting disease incidence by state
Chronic Wasting Disease is now present in 23 states. The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects whitetails, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is not known whether CWD can be transmitted to humans.
A map of chronic wasting disease incidence by state
Chronic Wasting Disease is now present in 23 states. The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects whitetails, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is not known whether CWD can be transmitted to humans.
A map of chronic wasting disease incidence by state
Chronic Wasting Disease is now present in 23 states. The 100% fatal neurological disorder affects whitetails, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is not known whether CWD can be transmitted to humans.

Chronic Wasting Disease State by State

Out-of-state hunt planning now includes a different kind of map work—understanding the CWD landscape.
Sport Hawk | 1.4.2019

As the season for submitting out-of-state license applications approaches, DIY big game hunters are faced with an even more serious issue than questions of herd densities, license fees, and success rates. Traveling sportsmen may want to assess the health of the cervid population itself. As reported in Outdoor Life and other outlets earlier this year, CWD remains on the march. Currently, 23 states have confirmed incidence of the 100%-fatal neurological disorder in wild cervid populations, which can affect white-tailed and mule deer as well as elk and moose. Sportsmen who are considering an out-of-state hunt, or those who just want to assess the threat in their own region, can find state-by-state maps, FAQs, best-practices for field dressing, butchering and testing, along with other valuable insights at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website.